[Case Study] Features and Benefits of Stamp Rally Using AR

When it comes to stamp rallies, the standard method is to use paper and stamps, but in recent years, digital stamp rallies and stamp rallies using AR have become more common.
In this article, we will introduce how to use AR stamp rallies, explain its features and drawbacks, and provide examples of its actual use.

What is an AR stamp rally?

An AR stamp rally is a digital stamp rally that allows you to collect stamps on your mobile device.
Just like a traditional paper-based stamp rally, you collect stamps by visiting designated locations. In some cases, prizes are available depending on the number of stamps you collect.

How to use the AR stamp rally

The AR stamp rally is very easy to use:
just scan the 2D barcodes and AR markers placed in designated locations with your smartphone camera and stamps will start to accumulate on the screen.

To participate in the AR stamp rally, you will need to use an "app" or "Web AR."
In the case of an "app," you will need to download a dedicated app to your mobile device, such as a smartphone. On the other hand, in the case of "Web AR," you can participate from a webpage, so there is no need to download a dedicated app.

Features and benefits of AR stamp rallies

We will introduce the features and benefits of AR stamp rallies compared to regular paper stamp rallies

Reduced expenses and labor costs

Anyone with a smartphone can participate in an AR stamp rally.
This eliminates the need for the extensive preparation of stamps, stamp mounts, stamp pads, and other items required for a paper stamp rally. This reduces printing and equipment costs, as well as labor costs for installation and checking.

Measures for circulating and moving around, improving customer satisfaction

AR stamp rallies are an effective way to encourage people to explore large venues, such as tourist spots, commercial facilities, and events, in detail.
For example, by designating stamp locations to attract customers, such as new stores or event corners in shopping malls, you can increase the rate of visits and visits. In addition, displaying historical explanations at tourist spots where stamps are placed can also increase the length of stay and customer satisfaction.

Effective for inbound tourism

In recent years, tourists have been visiting Japan from all over the world, including Asia, Europe, and the United States.
If a stamp rally is held for foreign visitors to Japan, it will need to be multilingual. If paper is used, posters and mounts in multiple languages ​​will be required, which will increase the time required for advance preparation, labor costs, printing costs, and other costs.
However, a stamp rally using AR can be held simply via the web or app, making it easy and reducing costs.

Flexible planning can be carried out according to the issues

Because you can use the functions that are unique to AR, you can plan a variety of projects to suit your needs, such as displaying impressive 3D images or asking AR quizzes.
For events that use characters, you can combine AR photo frames and AR panels to create a rich presentation, or if you want to increase repeat customers, you can distribute discount coupons as a reward for completing the stamp collection. Depending on the plan, it can be used to solve problems.

Disadvantages of AR stamp rallies

So far, we have introduced the features and advantages of stamp rally using AR, but of course there are also disadvantages (differents).

Stamp rallies that use a dedicated app must be downloaded in advance, making them unsuitable for elderly people and children who are unfamiliar with smartphones.
Furthermore, because the app may not function properly on devices other than the recommended environment, you must have a device that is compatible with the app, and downloading can take a long time depending on your network environment, making it more difficult to participate in stamp rallies.

AR Works provides its services as "Web AR" using a regular web browser, so there is no need to download an app, making it easy to participate

Types of AR stamp rallies

There are various types of AR stamp rallies, and you can use them according to your needs

Two-dimensional barcode marker type

This is the most standard type of stamp rally, using two-dimensional barcodes and AR markers.
You can collect stamps by activating your smartphone camera and scanning the codes.

Image tracking type

Image tracking is a technology that can recognize objects such as illustrations and logos as markers, and when the object is scanned with a smartphone, AR can be displayed.
By specifying character illustrations or logos as spots instead of AR markers, participants can enjoy the fun of searching for spots and touring the venue. It is also possible to hold a stamp rally unique to that location.

▼Reference example

Touch Type

This stamp rally utilizes "Touch AR" provided by AR Works. Simply touch the stickers or acrylic panels with your smartphone to activate the AR.
Stamps can be collected without turning on the camera, making it easier to participate.

GPS type

The GPS-based stamp rally works in conjunction with the GPS function of the mobile device to pinpoint the current location, and is designed so that stamps cannot be obtained even if the AR marker is scanned outside the set area.
Since stamp rally participants must go to a designated location, it is ideal for tourism and regional revitalization measures.

Example of using AR for stamp rallies

We will introduce some specific examples of actual use of AR stamp rallies

A stamp rally for the World Heritage Site Tomioka Silk Mill combined with a quiz

This is an AR quiz rally held at the World Heritage Site, Tomioka Silk Mill, located in Tomioka City, Gunma Prefecture. Participants
can take part in AR quizzes using markers placed at various spots within the site, and if they answer all the questions correctly, they will be presented with original goods and original AR.
By combining a stamp rally and a quiz, this system aims to increase visitor traffic and improve visitor satisfaction.

▼Source

A fun way to learn about history: the "Odaiba Park Historical Site Tour" stamp rally

This stamp rally uses AR and is being held at Daiba Park in Minato Ward, Tokyo.
By scanning the markers installed in the park with your smartphone, the history of the historical site will be displayed and you can collect stamps.
If you collect all the stamps, you will receive a commemorative gift, making this a fun stamp rally where you can learn about the history of the historical site.

▼Source

Stamp rally at Bic Camera Shibuya East Exit store to encourage store visits

This AR stamp rally was held at the Bic Camera Shibuya East Exit store, a major electronics retailer in Shibuya Ward, Tokyo. Participants
collected stamps by visiting checkpoints set up within the store.
Depending on the number of stamps collected, they could participate in a lucky draw, making it a perfect measure to encourage people to visit the store and promote products.

▼Source

Stamp rally held at the "Stray Kids" exhibition

This was an AR stamp rally held at the Stray Kids JAPAN SEASON'S GREETINGS 2025 MUSEUM, an exhibition by the boy band Stray Kids.
Participants used a dedicated app to find checkpoints at each venue and collect stamps.
Collecting stamps at two venues allowed participants to listen to a voice message, making this a fan marketing initiative.

▼Source:

"Golden Kamuy" stamp rally covering the whole of Hokkaido

The TV anime "Golden Kamuy," based on a comic, held an AR stamp rally around Hokkaido, the setting of the series.
Using a dedicated app, fans could obtain AR characters at check-in spots set up in various areas of Hokkaido, and then take AR photos of the characters they obtained combined with the scenery. The stamp rally, which covered the entirety of Hokkaido, became a hot topic. A
"pilgrimage" to the locations set in the series is ideal for fan marketing, and can also lead to regional development and tourism promotion.

▼Source: https://kamuy-anime.com/news/index04550000.html

How to use AR stamp rallies

We will introduce some ideal scenarios for using AR stamp rallies

Used for regional revitalization, tourism promotion, and inbound tourism

AR excels at recreating historical scenes and buildings, making it possible to provide a unique "tourist experience" for visitors to the area. By collecting stamps, visitors can take photos with ancient buildings superimposed on the current scenery, or by incorporating features such as displaying cultural and historical explanations, they can experience the unique charms of the area. Multilingual support is also easy, making it possible to implement plans to increase visitor numbers and satisfaction, regardless of visitor nationality

Additionally, because no paper stamps are used, it can also promote ecotourism, which has been gaining attention in recent years

Commemorative and entertainment events

Stamp rallies using AR are a great fit for entertainment and are an effective way to increase fan engagement. Photo rallies where fans can take photos with idols or characters, or offering limited edition goods as a reward for completing the collection, can increase fan satisfaction and deepen interest in the content and brand. Linking with social media is easy, so incorporating a system to encourage sharing can help generate buzz. It's effective for fan marketing in a variety of fields, including music festivals, theme parks, and anime events

▼Reference example

Commercial facilities and shopping malls

Holding a stamp rally using AR at a commercial facility can be particularly effective with families and young people. Adding AR content for children and young people to a stamp rally that can be participated in like a game will help attract customers from the digital native generation. It is effective for increasing the rate of foot traffic within the facility, advertising new stores, and promoting contributions to the local community

In addition, stamp rallies using AR allow for numerical analysis that is not possible with paper stamp rallies. Data such as the date, time, and number of people who participated in the stamp rally can be analyzed, which can be useful for future marketing

AR Works makes it easy to hold an AR stamp rally

Even if you're interested in a stamp rally using AR, you might be hesitant to do so when you think about the planning and communication with the production company.
With AR Works, you can hold a stamp rally with minimal effort and cost.

Full support from a production team specializing in AR

AR Works is supported by a specialized team with extensive experience in AR production. Rather than simply "making what is requested and then leaving it at that," we handle everything from planning to production and delivery.
With experience providing stamp rallies using AR to clients in a variety of industries, we can provide custom-made proposals that address your challenges and concerns.

Experience AR without the need for an app

AR Works provides AR that can be experienced in a web browser, eliminating the need to download a dedicated app in advance.
Anyone can easily experience AR, making it possible to reach a wide range of people.

Choose between original and template

AR Works' stamp rallies come in two types: "Original" and "Template.
" "Original" is a design created from scratch based on customer requests. It can provide a rich experience, so it's recommended for cases where you want to focus on branding or for large events.
"Template" is a simple design where materials are inserted into a generic design. Compared to "Original," it has lower delivery times and costs, so it's recommended for those who want to start an AR stamp rally casually or hold it at multiple locations over multiple periods.

We also offer options such as creating posters, flyers, and campaign sites

Introducing AR Works achievements

Please see below for examples of projects created with AR Works. We introduce a variety of scenarios, including promotions, events, and customer awareness, so please take a look

▼List of achievements | AR Works
https://promotion.ar-works.jp/achievement

AR Stamp Rally Summary

AR stamp rallies are recommended for promotions as they are likely to lead to results

AR stamp rallies are gaining attention as an effective marketing method that combines the long-familiar "stamp rally" with "digital technology." Unlike paper stamp rallies, they are easy to get started as they do not require the preparation of paper, stamps, or stamp pads. They can be used
in a wide range of situations, including tourist destinations, commercial facilities, and events. By creating flexible plans tailored to the specific needs, they can also be used for long-term promotions. Furthermore, they are easy to share on social media, making word-of-mouth spreading easier than ever before.

If you are concerned about traffic rates, length of stay, or increasing awareness of your products and brand, why not consider this as one of your new projects?

Download the Digital Stamp Rally x AR Use Case

We have compiled examples of AR stamp rally usage, including measures for pedestrian movement and tours, promoting social media buzz, and projects with enhanced gameplay.
Please feel free to download.